Pet supplies are one of the many non-traditional categories found at Bering’s Hardware in Houston. “People love their animals, and they take good care of them,” Augie Bering Jr. said. “You may not come to Bering’s for pet supplies, but when you walk by our department, you may think, ‘You know, I should pick up something for my dog while I’m here.’”

This is not the only retailer reaching out in ways a traditional hardware store might not.

Motor oil in Lowe’s. Paper towels in Home Depot. Groceries in Menards.